Moroccan national U17 team coach Ahmed Kantari has highlighted the significance of supporting and training young talents to secure the future of Moroccan football. He made these remarks while announcing the 21-player squad for the upcoming U17 World Cup in Qatar. Kantari expressed optimism about the current crop of players, citing them as a promising pool for future generations. The team is set to compete in the tournament from November 19 to December 13.
Kantari mentioned that several other players could have been included in the squad, but tough choices had to be made based on the competition's demands. He stressed that the primary goal of the coaching staff is to support these young players, who are still in training and expected to represent Morocco's football future. By the time the 2030 World Cup arrives, these players will have matured, and Kantari hopes some will have integrated into the senior national team.
The selection process was based on three key criteria: players' performance levels, their ability to integrate into the team and adapt to the game's project, and their competitiveness. Kantari emphasized the importance of competitiveness, given the physical demands of the tournament. Factors such as players' rhythm and game time in their clubs were crucial in assessing their readiness for the competition.
Morocco has been drawn into a challenging group, with teams playing different styles of football. Kantari noted that adaptability will be a decisive factor in the competition. He also expressed confidence in the team's potential, mentioning Nassim Laarej, who plays for OGC Nice in France, and anticipates his contribution could be significant for the team.
The Moroccan team, also known as the Lionceaux de l'Atlas, will face Fiji on November 20, China on November 23, and Spain on November 26 in Group H. Kantari is optimistic about the team's chances, given the talent and depth in the squad. He emphasized that the current team represents a vital part of Morocco's football future.
The U17 World Cup will provide a platform for Moroccan fans to discover new talents. Kantari highlighted the importance of supporting these young players as they develop their skills and represent Morocco on the international stage. The team's performance in the tournament will be closely watched, with fans expecting a strong showing.
As the Moroccan team prepares for the U17 World Cup, coach Ahmed Kantari remains focused on nurturing young talents to ensure a bright future for Moroccan football. With a challenging group and tough competition ahead, the team's adaptability and skill will be put to the test. Moroccan fans will be eagerly following the team's progress in the tournament.
Key points
- Moroccan national U17 team coach Ahmed Kantari emphasizes the importance of supporting and training young talents for the country's football future.
- The team faces a challenging group in the U17 World Cup, with matches against Fiji, China, and Spain.
- The tournament will provide a platform for Moroccan fans to discover new talents and for the team to showcase their skills.
